As a born and raised Indiana native, the unpredictable change in temperature comes far too naturally to me. This time of year, I fully expect it to be 65 degrees one day and 30 degrees and snowing the next. It’s just the Indiana way, and we hoosiers roll with the punches.

Weather is a huge factor to consider when styling your outfits each day, so it makes it a little harder for Midwesterners to dress both trendy and weather-appropriate. When I say be prepared for any weather before you leave the house, I’m not kidding.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered a simple solution to dressing for the weather inconsistency problem that allows you to be both fashionable and comfortable. Sorry Mother Nature, we win this time.

It’s called the 3-piece rule. The rule states that every outfit should have 3 main pieces. This could be jeans, a top, and a cardigan. A jumpsuit, turtleneck, and a hat. Overalls, crop top, and printed tights. You get the idea.

This is a rule I live by religiously. One day when the weather was doing its usual acting up, I was so sick of trying to prepare for the weather while still satisfying my 3-piece rule, that I just decided to overcompensate.

Yep, I packed on the layers, and I freaking loved it. Maximalism is the new minimalism, and the more layers the better.

Who says you can’t wear 2 coats? Or wear winter on top and summer on the bottom?

Bottom line is sometimes you have to throw away the rule book and have some fun with your style. At the end of the day, you’re the one everyone’s eyes turn to because your outfit brought some new excitement beyond the mundane weather discussion.

Remember the 3-piece rule, and remember to overcompensate. Layers are dope, but you can always take some off if it starts heating up.